Syracuse University’s haunted halls and volleyball streak spark campus buzz
Thousands of students in Syracuse are talking about ghostly legends in Brewster, Boland, and Brockway Halls, while the Orange volleyball team faces its 18th straight ACC loss. Both stories are shaping campus life this October in Central New York.
More than 1,200 people packed O’Keefe Gymnasium in Atlanta to watch the Syracuse University volleyball team take on Georgia Tech, but the Orange’s 18th consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference defeat has become a talking point back home in Syracuse, according to the Daily Orange. Meanwhile, students living in Brewster, Boland, and Brockway Halls are swapping stories about ghosts and unexplained happenings, as reported by Syracuse University News.
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Both stories are reminders of the unique mix of tradition, lore, and sports energy that defines Syracuse University and the surrounding neighborhoods, from Eastwood to Tipp Hill. For Central New York residents, these tales offer a glimpse into campus life during peak foliage season and central SU football Saturdays.
By The Numbers
- 1,200: Attendance at the Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse volleyball match, per the Daily Orange
- 18: Consecutive ACC volleyball losses for Syracuse, according to the Daily Orange
- 1968: Year Brewster, Boland, and Brockway Halls opened, per Syracuse University News
- 400: Paranormal investigations conducted by John Harris, per Syracuse University News
Ghost stories in the halls above Old St. Mary’s Cemetery
Brewster, Boland, and Brockway Halls, known as BBB, have housed thousands of Syracuse University students since opening in 1968. But according to the Onondaga Historical Association, the dorms were built atop the former site of Old St. Mary’s Cemetery, a hillside burial ground that once marked the edge of town, Syracuse University News reports.
Unexplained noises, voices, and footsteps have been reported by residents since the halls opened. In 2009, Alex Carrieri told The Daily Orange about “loud” classical music that appeared in late-night voice recordings she and her roommate made in Boland Hall. Other students in Brewster have described feeling an invisible weight pressing against them while trying to sleep.
Gareth Fisher, associate professor and chair of religion in the College of Arts and Sciences, teaches a course called Ghosts and Ghostbusters. The class explores ethnographic studies of ghost encounters and considers what ghosts represent in different cultures. Fisher told Syracuse University News, “Ghosts cut across cultures, generations and geographical boundaries. Their stories bridge the known and unknown, especially when conventional science lacks answers.”
Central New York’s long history and high density of cemeteries and historic properties make it fertile ground for ghost lore, Fisher said. Oakwood Cemetery, one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Central New York, is a frequent destination for his students. Paranormal anthropologist John Harris, who has conducted more than 400 investigations, described a friend’s experience of being “rushed” by a ghost at Oakwood Cemetery, likening it to being picked in a basketball game.
Fisher’s course is popular among students, including Amy Tran ’27, who said the class helped her see ghosts in a new light. The course ends with a spirited debate about the reality of ghosts, but Fisher emphasizes that the stories themselves are what matter most. “Whether or not ghosts are real is less important than how they make us feel,” he said, according to Syracuse University News.
Volleyball streak draws attention to SU athletics
While ghost stories swirl around the dorms, the Syracuse Orange volleyball team is making headlines for a different reason. The team’s 3-0 loss to Georgia Tech on Friday marked its 18th straight ACC defeat, a streak that dates back to October 22, 2025, the Daily Orange reports.
Syracuse (5-11, 0-7 ACC) kept the first two sets close but ultimately fell 25-20 and 25-19 before dropping the third set. Kiernan Stamey led the Orange with 11 kills, while Marie Laurio contributed a service ace and a block. The team’s hitting percentage was 17.5%, compared to Georgia Tech’s 37.8%.
Despite the losing streak, the Orange showed energy and camaraderie on the court. Players made binoculars from Powerade cups and kept spirits high, according to the Daily Orange. Head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam said during media availability, “We’re going to have to keep working, staying committed to what we believe is right, and then we’re going to get there.”
For fans in Syracuse and across Central New York, the volleyball team’s struggles are a reminder of the ups and downs of college athletics. The Orange’s next home matches will be watched closely by students and residents alike, especially as the campus gears up for SU football Saturdays and peak fall foliage.
Campus life and community connections
These stories are part of a larger tapestry of campus life that extends beyond the university. The neighborhoods surrounding Syracuse University, including Eastwood, Westcott, and Tipp Hill, are home to students, faculty, and longtime residents who share in the rhythms of the academic year. The presence of historic cemeteries and the ongoing I-81 viaduct project are reminders of the city’s evolving landscape.
For those interested in more about campus happenings, local business news, and upcoming events, CNY Signal’s Syracuse business and community events pages offer regular updates. For the latest on school activities and education, visit our Syracuse schools section.
Whether you’re a student living in BBB, a volleyball fan at the JMA Wireless Dome, or a resident walking through Oakwood Cemetery, these stories reflect the unique character of Syracuse and Central New York this fall.
Where to check for updates
For more on campus life, haunted history, and SU athletics, visit the official Syracuse University News site and the Daily Orange for ongoing coverage.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , Syracuse University , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Syracuse University News, ghost stories, course details, and campus history
- Daily Orange, volleyball match details and team statistics
